PALAWAN IN COMMONWEALTH PERIOD

(A REACTION PAPER)

The province of Palawan after the colonization of Spaniards the island once
again faced a new era of colonization but in this time it was under the American
government. Upon reading and watching the said video and articles regarding the
topic, I order to gain insight and wrap may thoughts about the history of Palawan in
Commonwealth Period. In this particular period after treaty of Paris that was signed
by the U.S Government and Spanish Government, the thoughts of Palaweno’s and
Filipinos of being free has come to a delayed once again because at this time
Philippines and specifically the Island of Palawan was once again put under control
of the United States.
The thoughts of Filipinos of becoming free and be an independent country was
disputes for the reason Americans inhabitants in the Philippines. Now focusing on
the island of Palawan in this period has been a bigger topic to discuss since in the
article that I have read and video that I have just watched there are significant events
take place in the island that becomes a great part of what we have in these days.
Palawan's educational system saw a tremendous boost throughout the
Commonwealth era. Policies were put into place by the government to increase
access to education, particularly in rural areas. The development of Palawan's
literacy rates was aided by the opening of public schools and the placement of
teachers in outlying areas. By opening up chances for postsecondary education, the
construction of Palawan State College, currently known as Palawan State University,
in 1965 strengthened the province's educational system even more. These initiatives
set the stage for Palawan's continuous advancement in education, making it one of
the country's most educated provinces at the moment as well as in this period the
first American education was published in Palawan where the U.S government
designated teachers from U.S to teach natives in Palawan necessary knowledge that
enables the U.S government introduce a democratic governance in island. Palawan
during the Commonwealth period experienced improvements in governance as the
national government sought to establish order and stability in the province. The
government implemented policies aimed at promoting economic development and
improving infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and public buildings. The
appointment of officials with expertise in various fields, such as agriculture and
engineering, helped ensure that development programs were well-planned and
executed efficiently. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm was transformed under the
Commonwealth government into a rehabilitation facility where inmates were given
the chance to pick up new skills and get pay for their labor. The inmates engaged in a
variety of tasks, including farming, fishing, and making crafts. The aim of the
rehabilitation program was to assist inmates in reintegrating into society and become
useful members of society after they were released. Iwahig operated as a
rehabilitation facility as well as a haven for indigenous people to go when they were
uprooted by construction projects in other areas of Palawan. The goal of the
resettlement program was to give the indigenous people a new place to live and
possibilities for social and economic progress. Additionally, the establishment of the
Palawan Provincial Board and the appointment of a governor helped streamline
governance and facilitate decision-making processes. However, despite these efforts,
Palawan still faced challenges in terms of governance, including corruption and
issues related to land ownership and use, also at this period Palawan was under the
military government under the occupancy of the us government. Generally, Palawan
underwent substantial progress during the Commonwealth Period. To create the
groundwork for Palawan's continued development, the government developed
policies aimed at increasing access to education, fostering economic growth, and
enhancing infrastructure. The opening of public schools and Palawan State College
contributed to raising literacy rates and increasing educational options for locals.
Access to services was made better and economic growth was supported by the
creation of roads, bridges, and public structures. By these initiatives, Palawan was
able to change from a rural and secluded province to a connected and thriving
territory. Based on the facts that I have learned and knowledge that I have gathered I
can truly say even though Americans deprived and delayed our independency the
Americans though help us to established a good government that we have in the
present, they also teaches us knowledge that are necessary for the development of
our own country. Using religion as justification, the Spanish would be the minds and
hearts of Filipinos, the Americans tainted our mentality via instruction. C
As a result of these, the Filipinos have disregarded and abandoned their own
identity as well as their own culture. American government placed a priority on
education, Rights in Agriculture, Medical Aid, and Minority tribes were also taken
into account. Due to policy, Americans were successful in brings people together.
Also as time flies and as the future sink in our country and our island Palawan also
get used to develop and established our own identity that makes us to become
resilience against threat towards our independence. In this moment I’m glad that
have gain knowledge about the history of Palawan during the commonwealth period
and I am happy to tell everyone that even though Americans delayed our way to
freedom and independency in some ways they also help us to gain insights about a
democratic governance that molds our country and bind our nation together. This
way of governance surely help us to live as country with pride on nationalism and
patriotism.